“And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”– Matthew 27:37 (KJV)
“A sign was fastened to the cross above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”– Matthew 27:37 (NLT)
“Above his head, they put the charge against him. It read: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”– Matthew 27:37 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 27:37 Mean?
In this verse, we encounter a sign that has been affixed above Jesus as he hangs on the cross. This sign reads, “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS”. It gives us a profound insight into the identity of Jesus, confirming who he is, though many rejected him during his life. The title ‘King of the Jews’ carries significant weight since Jesus’s ministry often challenged the established religious authorities of the time.
This phrase, “King of the Jews,” highlights both the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and the deep irony of the situation. Here is Jesus, the true King, suffering a criminal’s death, mocked and scorned. We can find a parallel in the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, where it is written about the coming King, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Jesus did come to bring salvation, not just for the Jews, but for all people. This emphasizes the attitude of the people, as the same crowds that cheered him on Palm Sunday were now condemning him to death.
Matthew 27:37 Explanation and Commentary
In Matthew 27:37, we see the great contrast of Jesus’s existence displayed on the cross. The inscription is a form of mockery but also an acknowledgement of the truth. Jesus was indeed the King, though his kingship looked different from what many anticipated. Instead of a worldly king adorned with luxury and power, he was lifted high on a cross in the most humiliating way possible. This sign reveals the irony and the ultimate purpose of Jesus’s death. As we witness the negativity surrounding Jesus’s crucifixion, we must remember that he came to serve and to seek the lost (Luke 19:10).
The use of “King of the Jews” was specifically intended to mock Jesus in the eyes of the Jewish leaders. Their reaction to this title was one of anger and indignation, as they had positioned themselves against him throughout his ministry. In John 19:21, the chief priests said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” This highlights how even in their rejection, the leaders of the Jews acknowledged Jesus’s claim but wanted to deny him that identity. Their efforts proved futile as the title written above him became part of the eternal narrative of who Jesus is.
As we reflect on this verse, we must hear it as a message of hope. Jesus is the King, not through worldly power but through sacrificial love. Through his death, he redeems humanity. We see the heart of God displayed in Jesus, inviting us to understand a kingdom that is counter to the kingdoms established on power and control. This signifies that true power lies in love, humility, and sacrifice.
As we engage with Matthew 27:37, we should also consider the implications of calling Jesus our King. Are we surrendering our lives to him? Do we recognize his authority? It challenges us to reflect on our own lives and what it means to live under the reign of Jesus.
Context of Matthew 27:37
Understanding Matthew 27:37 requires looking at the surrounding context in the Gospels. This verse finds itself in the narrative of Jesus’s crucifixion, which is a central theme in the New Testament. Prior to this, Jesus endured a trial before Pilate, where he was wrongfully accused by the religious leaders. The atmosphere was charged, with both the Jewish crowd and Roman forces playing pivotal roles in the events that transpired.
During this time in history, the Jews were under Roman rule. The idea of having a king was significant to them, as they longed for a Messiah who would rescue them from oppression. However, the Messiah they expected was not the same as the one who came. Jesus consistently taught about humility and servant leadership, ideals that were foreign to the expectations of a conquering king.
We must also remember that this moment on the cross was prophesied. Isaiah 53 foretold of the suffering servant, detailing how he would bear our iniquities. This foreshadowing helps us understand that Jesus’s death was not a failure but a part of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. It speaks to us about the character of God, emphasizing that he is willing to go to any lengths to restore relationship with us. It echoes throughout the narrative of the Bible, showing proof of God’s intricate plan to redeem and save.
As emphasis lies on who Jesus is during his crucifixion, the sign also serves to show us a transformation of power dynamics. Instead of being a powerful ruler, Jesus embraces vulnerability and death. His kingdom is one that stands in stark contrast to worldly kingdoms. It challenges us to view authority and greatness differently, as Jesus couldn’t have made it clearer: “whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26).
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 27:37
The key components of Matthew 27:37 include the actual words on the sign, the significance of the term “King of the Jews,” and the broader implications of Jesus’s crucifixion. Specifically, we examine the power of words. The sign was written in three languages: Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, indicating the universality of Jesus’s message. This inclusion signifies that Jesus came for all people, not just one specific group. This theme is continually reinforced throughout the Gospel narratives.
There is great significance in the title “King of the Jews.” It could be interpreted literally as a reference to Jesus’s ethnicity; however, it also reveals a deeper meaning. This title showcases Jesus’s role in fulfilling the Messianic prophecies. Jesus was born into a lineage that pointed toward royalty, and as we see in the lineage presented in Matthew’s Gospel, it traces Jesus back to David, aligning him with the kings of Israel. This fulfills the expectation that the Messiah would come from the line of David.
The irony lies in the fact that while Jesus is acknowledged as King, it is through a humble and excruciating circumstance that he claims this title. In a world that often equates kingship with power, conquest, and domination, Jesus displays an alternate kind of kingship—one rooted in love and sacrifice.
When we see Jesus hanging on the cross with this title above him, we witness a moment in which heaven and earth seem to clash. The soldiers laugh, and the crowds mock, yet God’s plan is unfolding through this very act. Reflecting on the cross invites us to look at what it means for our lives. Are we willing to choose humility like Jesus did? Are we willing to serve others just as He served us? This title serves as both a declaration of who Jesus is and a challenge for us to live out the values of His kingdom.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 27:37
Matthew 27:37 offers several powerful lessons. One stands out—Jesus’s type of leadership starkly contrasts with what we often see in our world today. His reign calls us to embrace humility, love, and selflessness. As he hung on that cross, illuminated as a king, he wasn’t fighting against his enemies but instead was willingly sacrificing himself for humanity. This invites us to reflect on how we approach leadership and influence. How can we emulate Christ-like behavior in our daily lives?
This verse implores us to reconsider our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus as our King. Following Christ means accepting His invitation to embody the values of His kingdom. It challenges us to ask hard questions about our lives and our values. Are we willing to put down our pride for the sake of serving others? Are we ready to support those who are marginalized and oppressed, just as Jesus demonstrated throughout His ministry? Jesus standing in the place of judgment exemplifies exactly what it looks like to take on the burdens of others.
The title of King is not merely a call to leadership; it is also a reminder of accountability. We must ask ourselves if we truly accept Jesus in our lives and allow Him to lead us. Acts 10:36 reinforces this, declaring, “You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.” Recognizing Jesus as our King ought to inspire a response—we become agents of His peace and love in the world around us.
Lastly, we learn about the nature of God’s grace through this verse. Even in the face of mockery and rejection, Jesus’s arms were wide open to receive humanity. This is a beautiful reflection of God’s grace. We are reminded that God welcomes us even at our most broken. The act of faith invites us into relationship with Him, even amidst our struggles. As we reflect on His death, we see not just sacrifice but love. This should encourage us to extend grace not just to ourselves but to those around us.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 27:37 encapsulates the paradox of Jesus’s kingship. In His humility, we find the greatest strength. This verse challenges us to think about what it truly means to follow such a king. As we look to Jesus hanging on the cross, we are left with the powerful reminder that He chose suffering and sacrifice for the sake of love and redemption. His example invites us to reflect on our own lives and challenges us to serve others.
In closing, let us carry the message of Matthew 27:37 forward. It compels us to be active participants in the work of His kingdom. Whether in our families, communities, or larger society, acknowledging Jesus as King should embolden us to uphold His values in everything we do. If we allow this understanding to shape us, we can have a profound impact on those around us, bearing witness to the love and grace of Christ.
If you are interested in exploring more about the life of Jesus or learning about His parables, check out this link. Each story and lesson helps us get closer to understanding the beautiful message of the Gospel.